US20220061507A1

US20220061507A1 - Load-Carrying Loops Array

Info

Publication number: US20220061507A1
Application number: US17/460,154
Authority: US
Inventors: Mikhael Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-27
Filing date: 2021-08-27
Publication date: 2022-03-03
Also published as: USD1002187S1

Abstract

A load-carrying loops array is an apparatus that is intended to be worn comfortably on a lower extremity and secured onto or over a garment. For example, the apparatus may be attached to the work belt of the user and extended down the leg to about mid-calf. The apparatus further provides two or more flexible fasteners that can keep the apparatus in place while the user performs various activities that may involve movement such as bending, standing, or running. One fastener may be positioned above the knee and another below the knee. Additional fasteners of different types can be provided to further secure the apparatus to the leg of the user. A set of loops allows users to connect different external attachments, such as pouches of different styles, to hold various items such as tools, connectors, magazine clips, portable electronics, and more.

Description

The current application also claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 63/071,276 filed on Aug. 27, 2020.
The current application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of the U.S. design application Ser. No. 29/755,291 filed on Oct. 19, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wearable gadgets and load-bearing equipment. More specifically, the load-carrying loops array provides a modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) panel designed to be securely worn on a lower extremity to carry different attachments for various activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many types of work involve utilization of a wide array of tools and devices. For example, a roofer may need access to shingles, nails, various hammers, measurement tools, and more. Similarly, military applications may involve transportation of clips, handheld weapons, medical equipment, safety tools, and more. Each item or container of items may be critically important at specific points in the process of performing a task and may result in critical failure if not present when needed.
Unfortunately, many objects are not conveniently available as needed without preparation. While many smaller items, such as tools, fasteners, hooks, ammunition, and others typically have their own storage bag or pouch, the pouches often need to be carried inconveniently. Back-loading gear requires a user to remove the bag from their shoulders in order to access contained items. Similarly, smaller bags are not only unwieldy but also generally demand the user's hand to grasp and access stored items. Smaller items often have carabiners or hooks that could be attached to a belt or belt loop; however, this often leads to heavy clutter around the user's waist. What is needed is a device that allows users to store large and small items conveniently while performing an activity. Further desirable is a device that does not interfere with the user's range of motion or general mobility.
The present invention addresses these issues. The load-carrying loops array provides a wearable modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) panel, herein referred to as Pocket Tech. The Pocket Tech is designed to be worn comfortably on a lower extremity and secured to a garment. For example, the Pocket Tech may be attached to the work belt of the user and extended down the leg to about mid-calf. The Pocket Tech further provides two or more flexible fasteners connected to the Pocket Tech to keep the Pocket Tech in place while the user performs various activities that may involve movement such as bending, standing, or running. One fastener may be positioned above the knee and another below the knee. Additional fasteners of different types can be provided to further secure the Pocket Tech to the leg of the user. The Pocket Tech allows users to utilize different attachments, such as pouches, bags, satchels, toolboxes, and kits of different styles to hold various items such as tools, connectors, magazine clips, etc. The Pocket Tech can be used in different situations by law enforcement, construction workers, sport coaches, fishermen, etc. Anytime someone needs more pockets, simply strap the Pocket Tech on and no longer make multiple trips for various connectors and tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a left view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing the present invention attached to a leg of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a load-carrying loops array that is intended to be worn comfortably on a lower extremity and secured onto or over a garment. The wearable modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) panel is configured to provide convenient temporary support of tools, storage devices, and items during various activities, such as fishing, law enforcement, manual labor, and more, as shown in FIG. 6. The present invention comprises a fabric base panel 1, a plurality of multi-loop straps 8, a plurality of length-adjustable straps 11, and a plurality of belt loops 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The fabric base panel 1 is a flexible unit capable of both lying flat and conforming to the shape of a user's leg. The plurality of multi-loop straps 8 is a set of flexible bands capable of retaining an item via hook, carabiner, removable strap, or more. The plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 is a set of flexible units which, in the preferred usage of the present invention, are capable of wrapping around a user's leg to secure the present invention in place during use. The plurality of belt loops 20 denotes a set of flexible looped units which enable the user to secure the present invention to the user's belt.
The general configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to efficiently and effectively improve the accessibility of items and attachable storage devices. The fabric base panel 1 comprises a first lengthwise edge 2, a second lengthwise edge 3, a first widthwise edge 4, a second widthwise edge 5, a proximal face 6, and a distal face 7, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first lengthwise edge 2 is a segment of the fabric base panel 1 that generally denotes an extreme end of the elongated portion of the fabric base panel 1. Similarly, the second lengthwise edge 3 is a segment of the fabric base panel 1 that generally denotes the opposing extreme end of the elongated portion of the fabric base panel 1. The first widthwise edge 4 is the portion of the fabric base panel 1 that generally denotes the extreme end of the shorter dimension of the fabric base panel 1. Similarly, the second widthwise edge 5 is the portion of the fabric base panel 1 that generally denotes the opposing extreme end of the shorter dimension of the fabric base panel 1. The proximal face 6 is the surface of the fabric base panel 1 which, in the preferred usage of the present invention, contacts the surface of the user's leg or clothing. In an alternative embodiment, the proximal face 6 may comprise a plurality of supplemental support pockets, which is a set of enclosures that may be selectively opened for addition and removal of various items. The distal face 7 is the surface of the fabric base panel 1 which, in the preferred usage of the present invention, is oriented generally away from the user's body.
The fabric base panel 1 provides a platform for connection and orientation of the various straps and loops that provide the present invention with its various functional features. The plurality of multi-loop straps 8 may be positioned parallel and offset from each other across the distal face 7, as shown in FIG. 3. This arrangement provides ample attachment room for various external connectable items. Furthermore, the plurality of multi-loop straps 8 may be positioned perpendicular to the first lengthwise edge 2 and the second lengthwise edge 3. This arrangement results in the generation of several rows of a few loops each, thus optimizing vertical space available for external item attachment. Each of the plurality of multi-loop straps 8 may be connected onto the distal face 7. In this way, the plurality of multi-loop straps 8 is accessible by the user. The plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be positioned parallel and offset from each other across the proximal face 6. This arrangement ensures that the user may attach the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 all along the length of the user's leg. In a preferred embodiment, a cuff strap of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be positioned adjacent to the second widthwise edge 5 and used to shorten the overall length of the fabric base panel 1 as desired. Further, each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be positioned perpendicular to the first lengthwise edge 2 and the second lengthwise edge 3. In this way, the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be made accessible to the user to ensure secure connection of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 to the user's leg. Each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be slidably mounted onto the proximal face 6. This arrangement allows the user to further adjust the position of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 or the fabric base panel 1 during use. The plurality of belt loops 20 may be positioned offset from each other along the first widthwise edge 4. This arrangement ensures that the fabric base panel 1 may be held firmly in position during use. Also, each of the plurality of belt loops 20 may be connected onto the first widthwise edge 4. This arrangement allows the plurality of belt loops 20 to support the fabric base panel 1 from a user's belt.
The present invention benefits from the ability to fully secure to the user's leg in order to minimize potential motion of the fabric base panel 1 during use. To this end, the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may comprise a first length-adjustable strap 12, at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13, and a second length-adjustable strap 17, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first length-adjustable strap 12 is a flexible band that enables the user to join the present invention to the user's thigh. The at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13 relates to a flexible strap or band that enhances the connection between the fabric base panel 1 and the user's leg during use. Similarly, the second length-adjustable strap 17 is a flexible band that enables the user to join the present invention to the user's calf, knee, or lower thigh area. The first length-adjustable strap 12 may be positioned adjacent to the first widthwise edge 4. This arrangement allows the first length-adjustable strap 12 to secure the upper portion of the fabric base panel 1 to a user's middle or upper thigh. The second length-adjustable strap 17 may be positioned adjacent to the second widthwise edge 5. Thus, the first length-adjustable strap 12 and the second length-adjustable strap 17 enable the fabric base panel 1 to securely connect to the user at a desirable height along the user's leg. The at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13 may be positioned offset from the first widthwise edge 4. This arrangement ensures that the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13 does not interfere with the functionality of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 arranged in that area, such as, in an exemplary embodiment, the first length-adjustable strap 12. Similarly, the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13 may be positioned offset from the second widthwise edge 5. This arrangement ensures that the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13 does not interfere with the functionality of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 arranged in that area, such as, in an exemplary embodiment, the second length-adjustable strap 17.
The first length-adjustable strap 12 and the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13 may further benefit from particular arrangements that allow for removable attachment to a user. To this end, the first length-adjustable strap 12 and the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13 may further comprise a variable-length strap body 14, a first fastener piece 15, and a second fastener piece 16, as shown in FIG. 5. The variable-length strap body 14 relates to the volume occupied by the first length-adjustable strap 12 and the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap 13. The first fastener piece 15 is a connective unit, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, clasp, or similar connector that allows for connection to the second fastener piece 16. Similarly, the second fastener piece 16 is a connective unit, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, clasp, or similar connector opposite the first fastener piece 15 that allows for connection to the first fastener piece 15. The first fastener piece 15 may be terminally connected to the variable-length strap body 14. This arrangement enables the first fastener piece 15 to connect an end of the variable-length strap body 14 to the second fastener piece 16. Conversely, the second fastener piece 16 may be terminally connected to the variable-length strap body 14, opposite the first fastener piece 15. Thus, the second fastener piece 16 may enable the opposing end of the variable-length strap body 14 to join to the first fastener piece 15. The first fastener piece 15 and the second fastener piece 16 may be engaged to each other. In this way, the first fastener piece 15 and the second fastener piece 16 may join in order to form a loop, preferably around the user's leg.
The second length-adjustable strap 17 preferably includes a mechanism by which to connect to a user's leg. To enable this, the second length-adjustable strap 17 may comprise a fixed-length strap body 18 and a buckle 19, as shown in FIG. 5. The fixed-length strap body 18 relates to the volume occupied by the second length-adjustable strap 17. The buckle 19 is a removable fastener that enables the fixed-length strap body 18 to form a ring or loop around a user's leg. The buckle 19 may be terminally connected to the fixed-length strap body 18. This arrangement enables the buckle 19 to join the fixed-length strap body 18 to itself to form the desired connection. The fixed-length strap body 18 may be threaded through the buckle 19. Thus, the fixed-length strap body 18 may join to itself to connect to and disconnect from to a user's leg.
A user of the present invention may have various connectors that could enable the user to hang the fabric base panel 1 to the user's person, or for storage purposes. To this end, the present invention may further comprise at least one grommet 21, as shown in FIG. 1. The at least one grommet 21 is a reinforced hole in the fabric base panel 1 through which a hook or various other devices may be threaded. The at least one grommet 21 may be integrated through the fabric base panel 1. This arrangement allows the user to hang the fabric base panel 1 by connecting fasteners through the at least one grommet 21.
The plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 requires a mechanism by which to connect to the fabric base panel 1 in order to hold the fabric base panel 1 in place during use. To allow for this, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of loop pairs 22, as shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of loop pairs 22 denotes a set of two preferably flexible looped units through which the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be threaded. The plurality of loop pairs 22 may be distributed across the proximal face 6. This arrangement prevents the plurality of loop pairs 22 from interfering with the functionality of the plurality of multi-loop straps 8. Furthermore, the plurality of loop pairs 22 may be connected onto the proximal face 6. Thus, the plurality of loop pairs 22 ensures that the fabric base panel 1 may protect the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 during use. Additionally, each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be threaded through a corresponding loop pair from the plurality of loop pairs 22. This arrangement ensures that the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may each be situated appropriately to bind the fabric base panel 1 to the user.
It may also be preferable to provide a mechanism by which the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may connect to the fabric base panel 1 without the addition of the plurality of loop pairs 22. In order to enable this, the present invention may further comprise a plurality of slot pairs 23, as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of slot pairs 23 is a set of generally slot-shaped cuts into the fabric base panel 1 that provide a connection mechanism for the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11. The plurality of slot pairs 23 may traverse through the fabric base panel 1. This arrangement allows the plurality of slot pairs 23 to provide stable support for the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11. The plurality of slot pairs 23 may be distributed across the proximal face 6. Furthermore, the plurality of slot pairs 23 may be arranged adjacent to each other to allow the user to adjust the height of the support they may receive from the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11. Each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may be threaded through a corresponding slot pair from the plurality of slot pairs 23. In this way, the plurality of length-adjustable straps 11 may secure across the fabric base panel 1 to secure the fabric base panel 1 in place during use.
The plurality of multi-loop straps 8 requires the ability to secure various items onto the fabric base panel 1. To this end, each of the plurality of multi-loop straps 8 may comprise a plurality of loadable loops 9, as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of loadable loops 9 relates to a linear pattern of preferably flexible looped units that are optimized for retainment of items via hooks, carabiners, or other similar mechanisms. The plurality of loadable loops 9 may be distributed across the distal face 7 between the first lengthwise edge 2 and the second lengthwise edge 3. This arrangement allows for a variety of items of different widths and shapes to connect onto the plurality of loadable loops 9. A through axis 10 for each of the plurality of loadable loops 9 may be positioned parallel to the first lengthwise edge 2 and the second lengthwise edge 3. Thus, the loops are arranged generally vertically up the user's leg, in the preferred usage of the present invention.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A load-carrying loops array comprising:

a fabric base panel;

a plurality of multi-loop straps;

a plurality of length-adjustable straps;

a plurality of belt loops;

the fabric base panel comprising a first lengthwise edge, a second lengthwise edge, a first widthwise edge, a second widthwise edge, a proximal face, and a distal face;

the plurality of multi-loop straps being positioned parallel and offset from each other across the distal face;

the plurality of multi-loop straps being positioned perpendicular to the first lengthwise edge and the second lengthwise edge;

each of the plurality of multi-loop straps being connected onto the distal face;

the plurality of length-adjustable straps being positioned parallel and offset from each other across the proximal face;

each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps being positioned perpendicular to the first lengthwise edge and the second lengthwise edge;

each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps being slidably mounted onto the proximal face;

the plurality of belt loops being positioned offset from each other along the first widthwise edge; and

each of the plurality of belt loops being connected onto the first widthwise edge.

2. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the plurality of length-adjustable straps comprising a first length-adjustable strap, at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap, and a second length-adjustable strap;

the first length-adjustable strap being positioned adjacent to the first widthwise edge;

the second length-adjustable strap being positioned adjacent to the second widthwise edge;

the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap being positioned offset from the first widthwise edge; and

the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap being positioned offset from the second widthwise edge.

3. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 2 comprising:

the first length-adjustable strap and the at least one intermediate length-adjustable strap each comprising a variable-length strap body, a first fastener piece, and a second fastener piece;

the first fastener piece being terminally connected to the variable-length strap body;

the second fastener piece being terminally connected to the variable-length strap body, opposite the first fastener piece; and

the first fastener piece and the second fastener piece being engaged to each other.

4. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 2 comprising:

the second length-adjustable strap comprising a fixed-length strap body and a buckle;

the buckle being terminally connected to the fixed-length strap body; and

the fixed-length strap body being threaded through the buckle.

5. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

at least one grommet; and

the at least one grommet being integrated through the fabric base panel.

6. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a plurality of loop pairs;

the plurality of loop pairs being distributed across the proximal face;

the plurality of loop pairs being connected onto the proximal face; and

each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps being threaded through a corresponding loop pair from the plurality of loop pairs.

7. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

a plurality of slot pairs;

the plurality of slot pairs traversing through the fabric base panel;

the plurality of slot pairs being distributed across the proximal face; and

each of the plurality of length-adjustable straps being threaded through a corresponding slot pair from the plurality of slot pairs.

8. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

each of the plurality of multi-loop straps comprising a plurality of loadable loops;

the plurality of loadable loops being distributed across the distal face between the first lengthwise edge and the second lengthwise edge; and

a through axis for each of the plurality of loadable loops being positioned parallel to the first lengthwise edge and the second lengthwise edge.

9. A load-carrying loops array comprising:

a fabric base panel;

a plurality of multi-loop straps;

a plurality of length-adjustable straps;

a plurality of belt loops;

the plurality of belt loops being positioned offset from each other along the first widthwise edge;

each of the plurality of belt loops being connected onto the first widthwise edge;

10. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 9 comprising:

11. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 9 comprising:

12. The load-carrying loops array as claimed in claim 9 comprising: